In the competitive world of digital note-taking and personal knowledge management, two apps stand out from the crowd: Roam Research and Obsidian. Both are highly regarded for their ability to help users organise thoughts, ideas, and vast amounts of information, making them go-to tools for fans of the ‘second brain’ method. But how do they stack up against each other? And which app will work better for you?

Let's explore Roam Research vs Obsidian. We’ll compare their key features, strengths, and weaknesses. And we’ll also offer up an intriguing alternative, Horse Browser, which integrates note-taking directly into the web browsing experience.

What is Roam Research?

Roam Research is a note-taking and PKM app that mirrors the way our brains naturally process information, allowing for a non-linear approach to organising and retrieving data. It's designed with the concept of networked thought at its core, where the focus is on creating connections between ideas rather than strictly adhering to a hierarchical structure.

Key Features of Roam Research

Key features of Roam Research include:

• Bi-directional linking: Automatically create links between pages and notes in both directions, enabling you to trace the evolution of ideas and concepts effortlessly.
• Daily notes: Begin each day with a new note, making it easy to capture and link daily thoughts to broader themes or projects.
• Graph overview: View the entire structure of your notes in a dynamic network graph, revealing connections and knowledge gaps. It’s a great mind-mapping experience.
• Block references: Embed or reference blocks of text from other notes, enabling a rich, interconnected content experience.

Roam Research is particularly effective for individuals managing complex, interconnected ideas, making it a favorite among academics, researchers, and anyone engaged in deep, long-term projects.

Pricing: Roam Research operates on a subscription model, with pricing starting at $15 per month or $165 per year for personal use. Users can also pay $500 for 5 years of access. For organisations, custom pricing plans are available.

What is Obsidian?

Obsidian is a Markdown-based note-taking app designed to help users build a ‘second brain’ by capturing and managing knowledge. It emphasises creating connections between notes through bi-directional links and visual mind maps, much like Roam Research, but with a different approach to customization and flexibility.

Key Features of Obsidian

Top features of Obsidian include:

• Backlinks: Instantly see all notes that reference the current one, making it easier to explore related ideas and content.
• Graph view: Visualize your notes in an interactive, mind map-style graph that highlights connections and note clusters.